Thursday, September 20, 2012

Thursday, September 20th

Starter:  http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/04/16/moral-dna-test-womne-more-moral-than-men_n_1428076.html#slide=471092

What are your reactions to the video clip?

1.  Read the Huffington Post article above
  • Who is Professor Steare?
  • What is the Moral DNA Test?
  • What are the results from the Moral DNA test that this article highlights?

2.  Take the Moral DNA Test- be sure to email yourself your results and/or open the pdf version.  http://www.moraldna.org/


3. Read and respond to your score:
  • What questions do you have about your "score"
  • What surprised you? 
  • What seems right on? 
  • How might this information help you in your own personal/social/academic growth?
  • Which which of the other MoralDNA types do you most connect? Least connect? Why?
  • Do you "buy" this type of classification? 

4.  Share your score and reactions with a classmate.

*Optional/Extension moral test: http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/surveys/morals/

5.  Star Trek: "Half a Life"
After watching the episode, respond to these questions. You may want to take notes during the episode as well. We'll discuss as a class afterwards.  
  • What is the most significant quote in the episode? Why?
  • What is the moral dilemma at play in this episode?
  • How would the people of Kaelon justify their ritual?
  • Do you agree with Lwaxana when she says, "But you have to. In a situation like this, you absolutely have to interfere!"?  What moral obligation does the Star Ship have for interfering?  
  • "You've got to go down there, talk to those people, Jean-Luque,  open their eyes, educate them!" How is this an example of cultural relativism in terms of morality? If cultures do indeed have different morals, how do we decide whose are "right"?  
  • Who do you think is the most moral character in this episode? Why?
  • What connections can you make between this film and:
    • Montana 1948
    • Historical or Political events
    • Other texts and/or philosophies we've read


Homework:  Interviews should be completed by tomorrow

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